New Air, Tourism Deals for Rwanda Travellers Expected From Kagame's Cambodia Visit

Rwandan President Paul Kagame will travel to Phnom Penh next week for his first-ever state visit to Cambodia, combining it with the 20th Francophonie Summit, Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has confirmed. The visit is expected to produce agreements on aviation and tourism between the two countries.

Key facts

• Summit dates: 14 to 16 November 2026 in Phnom Penh
• Who is visiting: Rwandan President Paul Kagame, on his first state visit to Cambodia
• Expected signings: agreements and cooperation documents on trade, investment, aviation and tourism
• Visa rule already in place: a 2025 agreement exempts holders of diplomatic and official or service passports
• Scale of the summit: leaders from 79 participating countries are expected to make state and official visits

What is happening and when?

The 20th Francophonie Summit runs from 14 to 16 November in the Cambodian capital, alongside side events featuring cultural, educational, political and economic discussions among members of the Francophone community. Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation confirmed that President Kagame will attend and make his first state visit to the country.

During his stay in Phnom Penh, Kagame will have a royal audience with King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace. Senate President Hun Sen and National Assembly President Khuon Sudary are also scheduled to hold separate meetings with him, and Prime Minister Hun Manet will meet the Rwandan president to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation.

What travel-related agreements are expected?

The ministry said the leaders are expected to sign agreements and cooperation documents covering trade, investment, aviation and tourism. The deals are intended to strengthen economic ties and create opportunities for cooperation between Cambodia and Rwanda. No details of specific routes, airlines or tourism measures have been announced.

What visa rules already apply between the two countries?

Cambodia and Rwanda established diplomatic relations in 2005 and are both members of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF). In 2025, the two countries signed agreements setting up bilateral consultations and granting visa exemptions to holders of diplomatic and official or service passports. The source does not extend any exemption to ordinary passport holders, and no new visa arrangements for tourists have been announced.

What else is happening around the summit?

Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said on 10 November that leaders from the 79 participating countries would undertake state and official visits to Cambodia. French President Emmanuel Macron has also confirmed a state visit, including a trip to Siem Reap province for the official opening of West Mebon Temple, a Khmer temple restored over 14 years with support from French technical experts.

What this means for travellers

Travellers holding diplomatic, official or service passports from Cambodia or Rwanda can already rely on the visa exemption agreed in 2025. Ordinary visitors should check current Cambodian entry requirements separately, as the announced agreements do not change rules for tourist passports. Anyone travelling to Phnom Penh between 14 and 16 November should also expect summit-related activity in the city.

No further details of the expected aviation and tourism agreements have been released. Any outcomes from the meetings and signings are due to become clear during the summit.